Connect with English Category: Adult/Young Adults Description: Join Rebecca, an aspiring singer on a journey across America, in Connect With English, an instructional series in English as a Second Language for adult learners. The 50 fifteen-minute programs touch on life's important issues such as leaving home, parenting, and education while helping adults learn English. Schedule: 9/2/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - A Bad Day 9/2/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - A Night Out 9/3/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - A Bad Day 9/3/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - A Night Out 9/4/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - A Bad Day 9/4/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - A Night Out 9/5/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - A Bad Day 9/5/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - A Night Out 9/6/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - First Day of Class 9/6/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - Casey at Bat 9/7/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - First Day of Class 9/7/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - Casey at Bat 9/8/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - First Day of Class 9/8/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - Casey at Bat 9/9/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - First Day of Class 9/9/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - Casey at Bat 9/10/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - First Day of Class 9/10/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - Casey at Bat 9/11/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - First Day of Class 9/11/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - Casey at Bat 9/12/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - First Day of Class 9/12/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - Casey at Bat 9/13/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - The Art Gallery 9/13/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - The Picnic 9/14/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - The Art Gallery 9/14/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - The Picnic 9/15/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - The Art Gallery 9/15/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - The Picnic 9/16/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - The Art Gallery 9/16/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - The Picnic 9/17/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - The Art Gallery 9/17/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - The Picnic 9/18/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - The Art Gallery 9/18/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - The Picnic 9/19/2010 11:30 PM Connect with English - The Art Gallery 9/19/2010 11:45 PM Connect with English - The Picnic Episodes: A Very Good Year A Very Good Year: The Wangs pick up the boys at the hospital and reprimand them for running off. Alex and Vincent explain that they wanted to spend one final New Year's together before the Wangs move to Taiwan and Alex to Los Angeles. Mrs. Wang tells Vincent the two of them will stay in the U.S. for at least a year. Not yet knowing where Alex is, Ramon questions his abilities as a father. Rebecca reassures him. Finally, the Wangs deliver Alex home safely. Everyone celebrates New Year’s together at the restaurant and Rebecca and Ramon see that a very good year lies ahead of them. The Lost Boys The Lost Boys: A review of the storyline as presented in the first 13 programs. Friendship Friendship: Kevin arrives in San Francisco just as Rebecca is finishing the new recording of her song. Alex and Vincent conspire to spend New Year's Eve together before Vincent moves to Taiwan. Bill tells Rebecca he is moving to Los Angeles to pursue his music career and won't be returning to school next semester. True Love True Love: Rebecca and Ramon exchange Christmas presents and their first kiss. They make plans to spend New Year's Eve together at Casa Mendoza. Kevin celebrates Christmas at the farm with Brendan and Anne. They give him a plane ticket to San Francisco to visit his sister. Kevin calls Rebecca to tell her the good news. Gifts Gifts: Alberto visits Rebecca at the studio to tell her that he thinks it’s better if they remain just friends. After, he stays and listens to the song his gift inspired her to write. Rebecca and Ramon celebrate Christmas together at a community center for the needy. During a phone call, Alex tells his father that he's glad Ramon and Rebecca are spending Christmas together. Dreamcatcher Dreamcatcher: The studio manager gives Rebecca a tape of her singing "Dream Catcher," which Bill offers to orchestrate for her. When Rebecca arrives home late that night, she receives a message from Alberto. Nancy tells Rebecca to resolve the Mendoza brothers situation or history will repeat itself. Bill narrates a flashback sequence about Rebecca's music education. The Audition The Audition: Rebecca studies hard for her exams, and tells Nancy that her education is more important than dating. After an exam, Rebecca goes to the audition with her friend Bill. Bill's audition doesn't interest the studio manager, but he invites Rebecca to sing—she performs "Dreamcatcher." Unexpected Offers Unexpected Offers: After sending Alex off to Los Angeles for Christmas, Ramon delivers his son's gifts to Vincent, Rebecca, and Alberto. Meanwhile, Vincent's father is offered a job in Taiwan. Mr. Wang thinks it will be good for the family, particularly after the recent racist incident with Vincent. Surprising himself, Ramon invites Rebecca to share Christmas with him, then hastily withdraws the offer. He confesses the invitation to Alberto and they agree that they need to talk about Rebecca. Sharing Feelings Sharing Feelings: Rebecca studies for her exams with her schoolmate Bill, who invites her to come to an audition for a rock group. She cancels her opera date with Alberto, who feels sorry for himself and complains about it to Ramon. The Pressure's On The Pressure's On: When Rebecca and Ramon run into each other, they share a closer-than-usual embrace. At school, Rebecca learns that she'll have to study nearly `round the clock to pass her final exams or risk losing her scholarship. Angela and Melaku are going away, leaving Rebecca and Nancy alone for the holidays. Alberto welcomes Rebecca back with tickets to the opera, but she worries about taking a night off from studying. Starting Over Starting Over: Rebecca returns to San Francisco and learns that she has lost her job in the after-school program. Thanksgiving Thanksgiving: Brendan and Anne's son and his family arrive at the farm for Thanksgiving dinner, where everyone expresses gratitude for their newly extended family. Kevin announces his decision to stay at the farm. As he drives Rebecca to the airport, Brendan explains the reason for his feud with her father: Patrick married his girlfriend while Brendan was away at war. The Farm The Farm: Rebecca and Kevin enjoy a tour of Brendan and Anne's farm. Kevin decides that he will stay and help Brendan on the farm and Rebecca decides to return to San Francisco. Changes Changes: Jack tries to stop Sandy from leaving, but she calls the police and he is arrested. Sandy goes to a battered women's shelter at the recommendation of the police. Kevin and Rebecca decide to take Brendan up on his invitation to go to Illinois and they pack up the apartment. Their last piece of mail is a sympathy card from Ramon and Alex. A Call For Help A Call For Help: Kevin apologizes for taking the car. In the morning, Brendan again invites Rebecca and Kevin to come to the farm. The conversation is interrupted by a call from Sandy who says that Jack has hit her again and she's leaving him. Rebecca and Kevin go to her apartment to help her. The Breakdown The Breakdown: Kevin's girlfriend tells him she's seeing other guys and no longer wants a serious relationship. Back at the house, Brendan and Anne discover their car is missing. Looking for Kevin, Rebecca calls Sandy. Jack is angry at the late call and rips the phone out of the wall. Kevin returns home, but then runs off again. Rebecca finds him grieving over their father's death. The Missing Car The Missing Car: The Casey family goes out for an oyster dinner and Rebecca and Kevin give their grandmother's ring to Brendan. After dinner Kevin takes Uncle Brendan's rental car to go see an old girlfriend. Rebecca questions why she ever went to San Francisco in the first place. Brendan and Anne suggest that Rebecca and Kevin come stay with them on their Illinois farm for a while. A Box of Memories A Box of Memories: Rebecca and Kevin find a safe deposit box key among their father's things. At the bank, they discover that the safe deposit box contains letters, pictures, $4,000 in savings bonds and a $50,000 life insurance policy. More financially secure than they thought they were, Rebecca and Kevin discuss the future. Kevin wants to stay in Boston, but his sister disapproves. Life Goes On Life Goes On: The family reads the condolence cards and friends drop by with food. Uncle Brendan and his wife Anne offer to help Rebecca and Kevin any way they can. Rebecca tells Kevin they need to decide what they are going to do. They argue and Kevin tells her he can take care of himself. As they go through financial papers, they discover family mementos. Grief Grief: At the funeral, Rebecca and Kevin are presented with Patrick's firefighter helmet in recognition of their father's bravery and service. Matt is there to pay his respects. Sandy stops by and tells Rebecca that Jack has promised never to hit her again. Kevin eulogizes his father. Back at the house, Brendan and his wife Anne offer to help Rebecca and Kevin. Brothers Brothers: Brendan Casey arrives and reconciles with his brother just before he dies. Funeral arrangements are made, and friends and relatives are contacted. Bad News Bad News: When Kevin and Rebecca return to the hospital, they learn that their father has had a second heart attack. They call for a priest to administer last rites and track down Patrick's estranged brother, Brendan. Sandy shows up at the hospital with a black eye from her boyfriend Jack and tells Rebecca her wedding to him is off. The Emergency The Emergency: Kevin meets Rebecca at the Boston airport and tells her their father's heart attack was very serious. At the hospital, the doctor is not optimistic. Kevin and Rebecca return home, and Rebecca finds the house a mess and without food. She questions Kevin about it but soon another call takes them back to the hospital. Review Review: Rebecca finds the job search frustrating and shares her disappointments with another boarder. Alberto shows up, and says her wants to tour her around San Francisco -- and that he has surprise for her. The Phone Call The Phone Call: Mr. Mendoza announces that they won't sell the restaurant. Rebecca's godmother arrives with the message that Rebecca's father has been taken to the hospital in Boston. Rebecca leaves the party, planning to fly back to Boston. The episode includes a review and a brief discussion. Grammar lessons: have to: present tense, affirmative and negative statements; yes/no questions and short answers; have to: past tense, affirmative and negative statements; yes/no questions and short answers; compound sentences with or. The Retirement Party The Retirement Party: Ramon tells Alex about his ex-wife's moving plans. Alex has a temper tantrum when he realizes his parents aren't going to reconcile. Alberto takes Rebecca to Casa Mendoza for his parents' retirement party. Mrs. Mendoza gossips with her friends about whether Rebecca should marry Alberto or Ramon. Guitar Lessons Guitar Lessons: The Wangs agree to the guitar lessons. Alex tells his father that he should date Rebecca, but at the same time, he hopes his parents reconcile. Ramon tells Rebecca that he may have to go to court to prevent his ex-wife from taking Alex to Los Angeles. A Difficult Decision A Difficult Decision: Rebecca and Emma go to Chinatown to deliver the children's cards and letters and talk to Vincent's parents about the racist incident. When the Wangs still won't allow their son to return to the after-school program, Rebecca suggests a way for Alex and Vincent to see each other: she will give the boys guitar lessons together. Ramon thinks it's a great idea. Prejudice Prejudice: Rebecca and the staff of the after-school program explain to the kids why racist names should not be used, and a guest police officer talks about hate crimes. All the kids in the program write cards to Vincent to encourage him to come back to the program. The Picnic The Picnic: At a picnic, teenagers from outside the after-school program push Vincent and call him racist names. Alex defends his friend but the other children in the program laugh at Vincent. Vincent's parents are upset by the kids' behavior and remove him from the program. Meanwhile, Ramon and Rebecca have a heart-to-heart talk about his divorce and his ex-wife's plans to move to Los Angeles. The Art Gallery The Art Gallery: Ramon is worried that his ex-wife may take Alex to Los Angeles with her. On her date with Alberto, Rebecca discovers that a photograph he took of her in the canyon is on display at the gallery. The Mendoza family talks about the possibility of selling the restaurant, but Ramon is very against the idea and the parents need more time to consider the idea. Casey at Bat Casey at Bat:Rebecca takes the job at the after-school program and is a big hit with the kids, especially on the softball field. Alberto sends flowers to Rebecca and asks her out to a gallery opening where a surprise is waiting for her. While watching his brother's budding romance, Ramon realizes his own feelings for Rebecca are beginning to grow. First Day of Class First Day of Class: Rebecca finds her first day of classes at the San Francisco College of Music intimidating and expensive. She likes the after-school program a lot, and meets Alex and his best friend, Vincent Wang. Meanwhile, Alberto is working on a deal with some investors who want to buy his parents’ restaurant. A Night Out A Night Out:Alberto takes Rebecca to the Palace of Fine Arts where he convinces her to sing for him. For dinner, they go to Casa Mendoza, his family's restaurant, where Rebecca meets Alberto's parents and his divorced brother, Ramon. When Ramon hears about Rebecca's music skills, he suggests a possible job opening at his son's after-school program. A Bad Day A Bad Day: Rebecca finds the job search frustrating and shares her disappointments with another boarder. Alberto shows up, and says her wants to tour her around San Francisco — and that he has surprise for her. Job Hunting Job Hunting: The boarders, Melaku and Angela, share a meal with Rebecca to welcome her to the household. Life in Nancy's house is an adjustment for Rebecca: new food, bathroom, paying rent. Rebecca takes the bus to school, where she work-study program has been canceled due to government funding cuts and that she needs to find a job. A New Home A New Home: Rebecca arrives in San Francisco. Her godmother, Nancy, meets her at the bus station and drives her through the city to a beautiful, Victorian house. Rebecca is surprised to discover that Nancy has taken in two boarders to help pay the bills and that she, too, will have to pay rent to live there. Photos and Farewells Photos and Farewells: On their way to the bus station, Alberto and Rebecca stop in a beautiful canyon, where Alberto takes some photographs of her. They say goodbye at the bus, and both realize that they're interested in each other, but Rebecca doesn't want a boyfriend at this point in her life. Negotiations Negotiations: After Alberto uses the shower in Rebecca's motel room, they get breakfast and wait for the mechanic to finish working on her car. Rebecca ends up selling her car to the mechanic after she finds out she can't afford the cost of the repairs. Alberto tells Rebecca he's from San Francisco and offers to drive her there. She declines, but accepts a ride to the bus station. The Motel The Motel: Rebecca and Alberto reach a phone, but can only leave a message on a garage's answering machine because it's already so late. They drive to a motel, where Rebecca gets the only room left. Alberto must sleep in the car. The Stranger The Stranger: When Rebecca reaches the Southwest in her cross-country drive, the car starts leaking oil and finally breaks down on a deserted road. Rebecca gets worried when a stranger approaches on foot out of the desert. He turns out to be a photographer, Alberto, who can't get her car running, but does take her in his own car for help. Leaving Home Leaving Home: Rebecca's father surprises her with the car and gives her a necklace that belonged to her mother. Kevin gives Rebecca a four-leaf clover key ring and Sandy gives her a diary. Driving out of Boston, Rebecca stops at her mother’s grave. Saying Goodbye Saying Goodbye: While Rebecca gets ready to leave, her father secretly shops for a car that his daughter can drive to San Francisco. At a farewell softball game, Rebecca makes an important play but her team loses anyway. After the game, her friends give her a going-away present. Matt tells Rebecca they have different dreams and breaks up with her. Breaking The News Breaking The News: Rebecca's father tells Rebecca that he is against the San Francisco plan, but Kevin supports her. Sandy will move in with her difficult boyfriend, Jack. Rebecca and Kevin go shopping for a used car that she can drive across the country to San Francisco, but have no luck. Celebrations Celebrations: Kevin graduates from high school, and Rebecca, after several rejections, is accepted into the San Francisco College of Music. She hopes to live free in San Francisco with her godmother. After telling Sandy the good news, she plans to confront her father. A Visit To The Doctor A Visit To The Doctor: Rebecca's father has a worrisome checkup from his doctor. He has to eat better and exercise, or face a possible heart attack—advice he ignores. At a Memorial Day barbecue, Rebecca talks to Sandy about Sandy's boyfriend Jack, who shows up drunk and belligerent. Differences Differences: Rebecca starts to apply to music schools. Her father, a widowed, disabled firefighter, worries that she is choosing a chancy career, and that Kevin is not studying hard enough to graduate. Rebecca's best friend at the factory where she works is Sandy, who admires Rebecca, but in her own life, just wants to settle down and raise a family. Rebecca's Dream Rebecca's Dream: The story begins as we meet Rebecca Casey, a 28-year-old Boston working woman, who dreams of becoming a singer. We also meet her boyfriend Matt who doesn't think much of her dream, and her 17-year-old brother, Kevin, who doesn't think much about the future at all. Rebecca's considers applying for music school and pursuing her career full-time, rather than holding down a factory job and doing her music on the side. We also meet real-life immigrants and students who discuss the similarities between Rebecca's experiences and their own. Introduction and Meet the Discussion Group Introduction: An overview of the course and an introduction to the main characters in the drama.